After wall sheathing or installation of drywall partitions, they must be puttied to close the recesses at the joints, gaps in the places adjacent to the floor and ceiling, to prevent possible corrosion of exposed metal elements. To perform the work, respectively, putty will be required, and one that is best to close the joints with drywall.
The modern market of building materials offers a wide range of putty mixtures, which differ significantly in their technical and operational characteristics. So, some formulations are simply not designed for finishing GKL, covered, in essence, with thick paper.
Putty compositions are quick-setting fine-grained mixtures for the final alignment of walls and ceilings. The putty process allows you to get a perfectly flat surface for subsequent decorative finishes. However, it is important to choose the right material that will provide reliable adhesion to the surface and will not be noticeable at the end of work, after, for example, painting the walls.
Types of putty mixtures
In stores of building materials a wide variety of mixtures for GKL putty is presented. Among them, one can find both universal compositions and those intended for a certain type of wall surface. Their cost is also different, and therefore making the right choice is not so easy, especially in the absence of experience in finishing work.
Existing putty compositions vary in purpose, degree of readiness for use, their constituent components. Consider which putty is best for drywall, based on this general classification.
By appointment
There are 3 types of putties by the method of their application:
- starting, for the initial, often multi-layer, alignment;
- finishing, for the final surface finish of the walls;
- universal, for use at all stages of work.
The presence of relatively deep joining joints requires a primary putty in 2-3 layers, after which the final finishing is already acceptable.
Starting the compositions differ in the content of coarse-grained components and fibers. Such material can be applied in a thicker layer, it almost does not shrink and does not form cracks when dried.
Finish finer grinding mixtures are laid with a layer whose thickness does not exceed 1 mm and are easily wiped with a plaster mesh before painting. Recommended option.
Universal may seem more convenient, but they cost more and when closing large cracks and indentations at the seams, they will have to be applied 3-4 times, which will take more time and increase repair costs.
Ready for use
Putties go on sale in the form of ready-to-use formulations or in the form dry fine powder, which must be diluted with water before use. In the first case putty can be immediately applied to the surface without additional preliminary preparations, but such a material has a limited shelf life and must be used completely after opening the container.
Dry mixes have a long shelf life and can be used in small portions, saving the remainder for subsequent work. In addition, ready-to-use putties are more expensive due to special sealed containers, small packaging and additional factory labor. Therefore, ready-to-use material is used to a limited extent when performing minor repairs.
In composition
Manufacturers of building materials sell 3 types of putty having a different adhesive base:
- gypsum;
- cement;
- polymer.
Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, which affect the right choice in the matter of processing drywall.
Gypsum mixtures
Most GKL putty finishers prefer to use this option, since gypsum dries quickly and lays well on fragile sheet materials. In addition, gypsum mixtures have excellent adhesion and provide reliable adhesion to dense, dry paper that actively absorbs moisture.
The most important qualities of gypsum putty are environmental cleanliness, durability and low cost. When applied in thin layers, it almost does not shrink when dried, does not form cracks. Differs in high plasticity and is easily put on a surface.
The main disadvantage of gypsum materials is the already mentioned ability to actively absorb moisture. Therefore, they can not be used for decoration of kitchens, bathrooms, toilets, showers, loggias, balconies and other rooms with high humidity.
Cement based
Cement putties are classified as moisture resistant materials. They tolerate temperature extremes and have no restrictions on the place of use. Among the main disadvantages, it is worth noting the heterogeneity of the application, the increased moisture content in the working composition and the long drying process.
Therefore, cement putties have to be applied in several thin layers, which takes a lot of time and delays the execution of repairs. In addition, the gray color of the mixture can appear through light colors, which means that more material may be needed for decorative finishes.
Polymer
Polymer based putties are a universal material suitable for all types of walls and ceilings. Ecological cleanliness, moisture resistance, ductility, strength and durability allow the use of polymer putties in any room. The material does not shrink when dried and does not lead to the formation of cracks even when applied in a thick layer.
The main disadvantage of polymer putties is their high cost. But if you can afford it financially, it is recommended to choose just such a material for leveling the surface of drywall sheets.
Five popular brands
The best putty mixtures are produced outside the Russian Federation or in our country, but using foreign technologies in the branches of European companies. Among the structures recommended for use by professional builders include:
Sheetrock APJC. Ready-to-use putty for surface finish. It is considered one of the best finishing materials, which allows you to provide a perfectly smooth surface of the highest quality.
No preliminary kneading required. Differs in high plasticity and durability. The only drawback is the high cost. It is delivered in the closed plastic buckets of 28 kg. The cost of one package is 1400 rubles.
WeberVetonit JS. The composition belongs to the category of finishing polymer putties. It is used for sealing joining seams and for continuous application on drywall sheets before painting or wallpapering.
It is a dry mixture of white color. The putty is plastic, easy to apply to the surface without shrinkage and does not form cracks. It can be used only in rooms with normal humidity. Packaged in 20 kg multilayer paper bags. The price of packaging is about 500 rubles.
Ceresit CT 127. Polymer composition of improved quality at an affordable price for finishing leveling. It is delivered in the form of a white fine powder, packaged in bags of 25 kg. Putty is easy to use, environmentally friendly, it is recommended for preparing walls for wallpapering.
It can not be used in rooms with high humidity, as well as for sealing deep joints and cracks. The average cost of packaging is 550 rubles.
Knauf Fugen. This putty is specially designed for sealing joints and gluing drywall sheets on walls. Fine grinding of the material allows its use for continuous coating before wallpapering.
It belongs to the category of universal materials for starting leveling and finishing. For cooking, it is mixed with a small amount of water and allowed to stand for several minutes before use for swelling.
It features high strength and economical consumption. It sets quickly, so it is prepared in small portions. It is difficult to grind before painting the walls. The maximum layer thickness is 3 mm. The average cost of packaging 25 kg - 400 rubles.
Sniezka Acril-Putz Start "2 in 1". Universal plaster mix for puttying. Great for GKL finishes. It is easy to apply to the surface, dries quickly and is easy to grind (we wrote more about grinding here). It is not recommended for painting, because it does not hold firmly to the wall. May fall off when the paint dries.
It is delivered in plastic closed buckets of 20 kg of dry mix. The average cost of one package is 360 rubles.
Finally
Beginner finishers often ask the question which filler is best to choose for drywall. The answer to it is not so simple. First of all, the choice of material depends on the type of room being repaired, the option of decorative decoration and your financial capabilities.
As you can see, the brand blends presented in the article differ in their technical characteristics and are used for various purposes. If funds allow, then choose products from well-known manufacturers. It is easier to work with them and the quality of the finish will be guaranteed.